“If the world is a book, half its chapters are still left to be explored“. The word ‘exploration’, has no perfect definition. In fact finding the definition would itself amount to another exploration. From the time when a toddler gets his senses, till his last breath he perhaps explores every nook and corner of the new world. As he ages, he gets an opportunity to explore every figment of his life.

 

Exploring to improve human life

Let us consider explorations done in different fields, that have helped to create a more transparent outlook towards everything around us .Today cancer has been diagnosed to be a genetic disease caused due to the mutation of gene. Besides, benzolpyrene an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, has been identified to be formed due to the burning of tobacco leaves. Thus we know why tobacco causes cancer as well. It acts as a DNA mutator. Moreover the UV radiation, or ionization radiation can also be a probable reason for cancer. This radiation knocks out the electrons from the DNA and results in its mutation. The entire cell cycle loses its control leading to the uncontrolled growth and tumor formation. Amongst other explorations in the field of Science, we have IVF or in vitro fertilization, that has gifted a smile to many a couple’s life.  Test tube baby, artificial insemination are few sub processes under IVF. Developments in female hygiene products have greatly eased a girl’s journey through her menstrual cycle. From a piece of cloth to sanitary napkins, moving over to tampons, menstrual cups, focus has been on convenience and more user-friendly products.

 

The past and the future explored

Man has attempted to find out the root and cause of our existence, and has come up with several theories. As per the most widely accepted ‘Big Bang Theory’ the age of the universe is approximated at 14 billion years. The largest explosion was witnessed in history when a void of infinite temperature and density burst out emitting radiations in every possible direction, accounting for the formation of the universe. Helium was the first element formed through the bonding of quarks, anti quarks and gluons. This explosion led to the space-time curve which continues to expand till date. It also leads us to explore forward and backward travel in time. So humans are simultaneously exploring their future as well as the past, with equal gusto.

We ourselves can delve into the act of exploration; it is immensely thrilling and fascinating. One experience leads to another. For instance, a keen interest in the operations of Force and Gravity can lead us to exciting videos. A video by Professor Brian Greene explains gravity to be a curvature in the fabric of space-time. This is an entire new concept that makes us explore even more. We get introduced to new subjects such as Astrophysics, which explores the application of the laws and theories of physics to the interpretation of astronomical observations.

Exploring the mind

Another fascinating area of research is the human mind. What apparently seems a linear and simple discipline, actually comprises multiple branches- cognitive, clinical, social, forensic and developmental psychology. These branches relate to distinct phases of a person’s life, which can thus be extensively explored through the research. The findings of the explorations have been proved through experiments carried out by psychologists. For instance, the tendency to sway towards a majority response when one is not sure of the correct answer has also been proved through experiments conducted by Professor Solomon Asch in 1951.


Exploring new domains expands one’s horizon of knowledge and understanding. It keeps the childish curiosity in us alive. As Elon musk says, investing in knowledge gives you the highest returns.

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from St Augustines Day School, Barrackpore: Krittika Gangopadhyay, Rishi Goswami, Swapnaneel Ray and Swarnika Guchhait.